Hundreds gather at anti-migrant protests in two UK port cities

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 4, 2026

Hundreds of people protested against migration in Southampton and Dover, with opposing groups staging separate demonstrations and police enforcing restrictions, including a ban on face coverings. The events highlighted ongoing tensions over sea arrivals in the UK, prompting authorities to closely monitor the protests to maintain public order and prevent violence.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in two southern English port cities on Sunday to demonstrate against migration, while authorities imposed restrictions and cautioned against the use of face coverings during the events.

In Southampton, members of the group South Coast Patriots joined anti-racism activists from Southampton Stand Up To Racism in the city center. The opposing groups staged separate demonstrations: the South Coast Patriots marched from the port area, displaying English and Union flags and chanting slogans such as “Stop the boats,” “England till I die,” and “Deport the lot.” Meanwhile, about 50 counter-protesters affiliated with Stand Up To Racism assembled near the Bargate, a historic landmark in Southampton.

Similar gatherings took place in Dover, Kent, where police maintained a visible presence, including vehicles stationed along streets near Dover Priory Station, the starting point for the march. Posts promoting the Dover protest online were attributed to the English Defence League and the Kent Patriots, the latter a local group associated with the Patriot Platform network founded by anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo by supporters. However, South Coast Patriots is not listed as an affiliate of the Patriot Platform on its website, and the Kent Patriots publicly stated via Instagram that their members would not participate in the protest.

Police in both cities implemented measures to restrict the demonstrations and advised attendees not to wear face coverings, a precaution aimed at facilitating identification and maintaining public order.

The protests come amid ongoing tensions over migration in the United Kingdom, with participants expressing strong opposition to arrivals by sea, reflected in slogans directed specifically at stopping migrant boats. Counter-demonstrators gathered to challenge perceived xenophobia and promote anti-racist messages.

Authorities monitored the events closely to prevent clashes and ensure that both groups could exercise their right to protest within the bounds of public safety regulations.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.